RNLI issues safety advice ahead of heatwave

The charity’s statistics show during recent summers there has been a rise in the number of children’s lives their lifeguards have saved, so are issuing an urgent plea to families to follow essential safety advice to keep them and their loved ones safe.

During the summer months of 2023 RNLI lifeguards saved the lives of 20 children aged 7-14 years-old, this figure rose to 38 lives in 2024*.

RNLI lifeguards will be patrolling over 200 beaches from this weekend (12 July), this will increase to 249 when we reach peak summer season during the school holidays. Lifeguards are trained in casualty care and water rescue and will be on hand to offer water safety advice to the public and provide information on sea conditions that day.

Peter Dawes, RNLI General Manager, said:

‘We are expecting people to head to the coast during the heatwave, it is a great way to have fun, relax and cool off in these high temperatures, choosing a lifeguarded beach will mean our lifeguards can ensure you enjoy a safe visit.

‘Please head to a lifeguarded beach, swim between flags and if you find yourself in trouble, Float to Live, knowing this technique and encouraging your family to practice, could save your life.’

Weymouth RNLI lifeguard Molly Horton came to the aid of a young girl last Friday (4 July) who was struggling out of her depth in the water and panicking. For a brief moment the young girl went under the water before 18-year-old Molly reached her on the rescue board and brought her back to shore.

Alice Higgins, RNLI Lead Lifeguard supervisor said:

‘This was a serious incident, which thanks to Molly’s quick actions, was managed really well by Molly and the rest of the team.

‘Thankfully the family were at a lifeguarded beach, the incident happened around high tide when the water can get very deep very quickly so we’d urge parents to stay with their children and for those less able to stay within their depth.’

The RNLI is urging anyone visiting the coast this summer to make sure they keep themselves and their families safe by following beach safety advice:

• Visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.

• Check the weather forecast, tide times and read local hazard signage to understand local risks.

• Keep a close eye on your family – on the beach and in the water – don’t allow your family to swim alone.

• If you fall into the water unexpectedly, FLOAT TO LIVE. Fight your instinct to thrash around, lean back, extend your arms and legs, and float.

• In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

• *In 2024, between in June and August RNLI lifeguards saved the lives of 38 children between 7-14 years-of-age and aided 4693.

• In 2023, between June and August RNLI lifeguards saved the lives of 20 children between 7-14 years-of age and aided 4,390

• You can find your nearest lifeguarded beach at https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeguarded-beaches